BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jun. 1. 2018 – THE federation will yet again play host to the largest gathering of the region’s law enforcement officials, when on Monday (June 4) the first phase of the Tradewinds activities kick start.
Tradewinds is a training event for some of the region’s law enforcement agencies that come under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, along with the support of the United States Southern Command.
At a press conference today (May 31), Captain of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defense Force, Kayode Sutton disclosed that there will be troops from 20 participating countries engaging in practical real-life experience and challenges.
“The main aim of Exercise Tradewinds 2018 Phase One and Two, is to improve the cooperation and interoperability of partner nations in responding to security threats and disasters in accordance with regional Treaty’s or security assistance, such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.”
During the June 4-12 event, officers from the various defense forces will be engaging in disaster preparedness, intelligence gathering, cyber operations training, the hurricane plan amongst other training exercises.
When it comes to disaster preparedness, Sutton explained that it comes at the most opportune time since the hurricane season begins tomorrow.
“We are not waiting to conduct this exercise to prepare for the hurricane season, but what we learnt from last year and the year before, is what we are going to be putting into practice so that we can enhance our preparedness,” he said.
An opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday at Warner Park, and that will be followed by the troops parading through downtown Basseterre, from Victoria Road through to Cayon Street, then onto Church Street down to Liverpool Row, through the Circus, then up to Fort Street, before they make their way to Camp Springfield.
“We want to be able to show people all of the countries that will be represented at this Trade Winds Phase One. Also, to showcase the country to the participants from the different countries,” added Sutton.
A number of locations have been earmarked to be used for the programme, and according to Sutton, contingency plans have been put in place to mitigate against any disturbances that would affect citizens in their daily activities.
Phase two of the event will take place in the Bahamas from June 13- 21.
